How To Build A Wood-Fire Pizza Oven How To Build A Wood-Fire Pizza Oven

What You'll Need

2x6x6 pieces of lumber (4)

2x4x6 pieces of lumber (4)

Plywood

A shovel

Concrete

Bricks

Concrete blocks

Mortar mix

What You'll Need

2x6x6 pieces of lumber (4)

2x4x6 pieces of lumber (4)

Plywood

A shovel

Concrete

Bricks

Concrete blocks

Mortar mix

An outdoor pizza oven offers a fun, unique way to make great-tasting pizza. While building a pizza oven requires some planning and manual labor, it is a great DIY a project that can involve the whole family.

Step One - Choose a Size

The first step is to determine how big an oven you will need. There is not really a standard size, though most outdoor pizza ovens range from about 4 to 6 feet wide.

Step Two - Preparing the Foundation

Dig a hole in the ground where you want to place your oven. The hole should be 6 to 8 inches deep and the same width of your oven.

Place the 2x6 pieces of lumber around the edges of the pit, and then fill it with concrete.

Step Three – Building the Fire Encasement

Draw a line on the concrete foundation slab that is width of one brick plus 2 inches from the outer edge or perimeter. Using the line as a guide, line 3 of the sides of the foundation slab with concrete blocks. On the front side of the oven, make sure there is enough open space for your oven door.

Next, place bricks on the outside of the concrete blocks. Stack the bricks so they are about 2 feet high, using plenty of mortar between the bricks and concrete blocks.

Step Four – The Oven Floor

Using 2x4s to line the inside of the fire encasement. Lay a piece of plywood on top of the 2x4s, and then arrange another set of 2x4s on top of the plywood.

After you have placed all of the lumber, fill the area inside the top frame of 2x4s with concrete. Let it dry for several hours.

Step Five – Finishing Up

Once the concrete of the oven floor has dried, you can create the walls of the area where you will bake your food. Use bricks and mortar, and make the baking area as large as small as you like. Be sure to leave an area for a door that can preserve heat while the oven is in use and protect it while you are not using it.

If you want to create an arch for your oven, construct an arch template from wood. Then place bricks sideways along the arch template and secure them with mortar. Let the mortar completely dry before you remove the wooden template.

Make sure to leave a small opening in the top of the oven for a chimney.